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How Chronic Illness can Speed up Collagen Loss and Impact your Health

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How Chronic Illness can Speed up Collagen Loss and Impact your Health
14 November 2018, 17:13

Collagen not only helps keep our skin plump and free of dreaded wrinkles, it does so much more supporting our body on the inside including; skin, connective tissues, muscles, ligaments, blood vessels gums, cartilage and eyes. We all lose collagen as we age and production will deplete, but if you have a chronic illness such as; fibromyalgia, Lyme disease or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), it’s likely you’re losing collagen at an accelerated rate.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and is really important to keep our bodies functioning well. Not only is it important to us, but the microbes that inhabit our bodies need it for a nutrient resource.

You Are in Competition with Microbes for Your Collagen

Researchers have determined that microbes are found in all healthy people in their; brain tissue, organs and joints. Some microbes will produce enzymes to break down the proteins in collagen and ones associated with chronic illnesses also have the ability to break down collagen. The difference is that in healthy people, collagen breakdown is probably occurring at a lower level, as their immune systems are able to fight back.

How to Protect Your Collagen with a Chronic Illness

If you’re struggling with a chronic illness or experiencing age-related skin changes or arthritis, protecting and supplementing your collagen supplies may help symptoms. Here are three ways you can take action;

  1. Supplement with Herbal Therapy

There are many microbes known to breakdown collagen, which are widely distributed through tissues of the body. Being resistant to antibiotics, a more successful approach is to supplement with herbal products known to have antimicrobial properties. Being natural, they can be used long term without adverse effects and will support immune function. Great antimicrobial herbs include; cats claw, andographis, garlic, Japanese knotweed, berberine and sarsaparilla.

  1. Boost Your Immune System

A healthy immune system is needed to manage the wide spectrum of microbes throughout your body. If you have chronic illness, have high levels of stress, lead a sedentary life, have a highly processed diet or have a high exposure to toxins, your immune system is likely to be low functioning. Counteract this by getting regular exercise, eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and reducing stress levels. You can also add immune boosting health supplements to your diet.

  1. Ingest More Collagen and Minimise Collagen Disruption

Too much sugar/starch, poor sleep, toxins, physical stress and sunlight all disrupt collagen production. Make sure you minimise these to minimise collagen disruption in your body. Support collagen production by adding collagen boosting foods to your diet like; bone broth, dark leafy green veggies, sardines, eggs and gelatin to name a few.